Here at YES! Your Human Resources Solution, we know that everyone has an opinion about employee dress codes.  What makes appropriate work attire?  How can the rules be enforced?  When is a dress code even a good choice?  The truth is, the right dress code can work wonders for a business’ productivity and professionalism, while the wrong dress code—or any dress code at all—can destroy employee morale and retention.  So how to tell if a dress code might do more harm than good?  Check out our list of dress code pros and cons.

DRESS CODE PROS

• Skirting HR issues.  Speaking of skirts, if some of them are getting a little short for a business environment, a dress code will, most obviously, establish an appropriate standard.  A dress code will distinguish professional work wear and will help identify what flies and what doesn’t.  A clear set of rules can help avoid confrontations with employees who walk or step over the line.
• Building common ground.  Much like the way school uniforms eliminate socioeconomic factors, a business dress code can mask employee differences in the workplace.  When all employees are on the same thread, it’s no longer just the big boss who has to wear the button-up and tie.  With this uniformity, managers can seem more accessible and more like part of the team, rather than an intimidating supervisor.  (Think of how employees tend to feel more relaxed and banded together on Casual Friday, when the boss is also wearing jeans and a polo.)  Camaraderie is never a bad thing to encourage!  A simple way to do this is through a company-provided uniform, such as an array of button-ups and polos bearing the company’s logo.
• Promoting professionalism.  Looking good, feeling great, right?  Putting on a sharp outfit is the first step toward facing the day with a positive and professional attitude.  It also promotes “serious business” among coworkers and clients.  Gone is the office gossip about who wore what.  Employees are left free to focus on their work instead of on someone else’s fashion sense.

DRESS CODE CONS

• Diminishing individual expression.  Adults tend to dislike dress codes for the same reason school kids do: a loss of individualism and creative expression, especially if a dress code is strict.  Clothing choice is a reflection of self, and ideally, employees would feel positive and comfortable in the clothes they choose.  When that choice is narrowed or removed, employees may feel stifled or overregulated, which can reduce morale.  Be particularly careful of this in creative industries.
• Creating enforcement issues.  Is that dress code really necessary, and is it justifiable at that level of implementation?  This is what employees will ask when presented with a new or refined dress code—and that could be a recipe for HR trouble.  Employees may not appreciate having to wear a suit and tie if they do not interact with clients or management.  They may not like having to measure their skirts to knee length if they prefer them slightly shorter.  Having rules means someone will inevitably break them, and that someone must be diligently watching for and enforcing violations.  Consistent enforcement is also an issue to avoid potential discrimination.  In addition to time and effort, this requires a predetermined set of consequences for employees who violate the dress code—a disaster for employee morale. 
• Imposing a monetary burden.  Those new suits and knee-length skirts have to make their way into each employee’s wardrobe, and unless the company is offering a clothing allowance, guess who’s footing the bill?  Not everyone has the extra cash to accommodate a new or changed dress code.  Employers should understand that a dress code, especially one above “business casual,” could potentially burden the finances of compliant employees.

Ultimately, the decision to create or change a dress code is unique to each company.  Important considerations include the industry type, the office culture, and the organization’s goals.  Dress codes can take different forms, from “suit and tie” to “no more than six holes in a pair of jeans,” but they should always point the company and its employees in a positive direction.

Discover what “dressing for success” means for your business—talk to the professional HR consultants at YES! Your Human Resources Solution.  Our skilled staff can help you with this and any other HR-related questions that come your way, from talent acquisition to management training to salary and bemefits.  Let YES! help your business thrive into the future!  To get started building the unique plan for your business, visit our website or call us for a free consultation.